Dog-Friendly Isle of Wight

Tourism

The Isle of Wight is an excellent destination for dog owners. The island's beaches, walking routes and welcoming pubs make it one of the most dog-friendly holiday destinations in the south of England.

Many beaches allow dogs year-round, including Compton Bay, Brook Bay, Totland Bay and Colwell Bay on the west coast, and Whitecliff Bay and Priory Bay on the east. Some beaches, including sections of Sandown, Shanklin and Ryde, have seasonal dog restrictions during summer months, typically from May to September. Dogs are usually welcome outside the restricted zones or before and after the restriction hours.

The island's walking routes are largely dog-friendly. The coastal path, downland trails and woodland walks all welcome dogs, though livestock fields require leads. The Tennyson Trail, Brighstone Forest trails and Parkhurst Forest are all popular dog walking routes.

Many pubs welcome dogs, particularly those with beer gardens. The Sun Inn at Hulverstone, the Buddle Inn at Niton, the Blacksmiths Arms at Calbourne and the New Inn at Shalfleet are among the most dog-friendly. Cafes and tea rooms increasingly welcome well-behaved dogs.

Dog-friendly accommodation is widely available, from holiday cottages and camping sites to hotels and B&Bs. Many self-catering properties accept dogs, sometimes for an additional fee. The ferry operators allow dogs on board, with some requiring them to remain in vehicles on car ferries and others allowing them on deck.